The 2008 Nebbiolo Punta Exclamativa opens with the beguiling, haunting aromatics that only Nebbiolo can deliver. An exotic mélange of orange peel, mint, rose petal, leather, smoke, spices and dried cherries lifts from the glass effortlessly. Beams of firm, incisive Nebbiolo tannin extend the mid-palate and finish beautifully, while a kiss of Hungarian oak adds sweetness. Powerful and yet finessed, the 2008 Nebbiolo Punta Exclamativa is one of the very finest Nebbiolos I have ever tasted outside of Italy. (AG)